Tributes have flowed in from rugby league players and identities as well as the wider community following the shock death of popular former Vodafone Warriors NRL travel manager Terry Baker (pictured in 2007) on Sunday. Photo: Photosport.
He had a long association with the club in his administration role and was twice named Vodafone Warriors Clubman of the Year (2001 and 2005).
It was confirmed late on Monday that Bakers funeral will be held in the Club Lounge in the East Stand at Mount Smart Stadium at 11.00am on Thursday.
Throughout his time with Vodafone Warriors, Baker provided an integral link between the club and Air New Zealand. After finishing in the position at the end of the 2007 NRL season, his association was maintained by providing services through his Air New Zealand Parking enterprise.
Baker was much more than a volunteer official and later a business associate of the Vodafone Warriors. For many players past and present as well as staff he was a valued friend, particularly for numerous Australian players who signed with the Vodafone Warriors. Baker selflessly helped them to settle into their new home base in Auckland, making it his business to ensure they were comfortable in their new surroundings.
In his time with the Vodafone Warriors, Baker experienced the club reaching the NRL finals for the first time in 2001 as well as making the grand final in 2002 and the play-offs again in 2003 and 2007.
Terry Baker in front with the Vodafone Warriors after the club's historic first victory over Brisbane in 2001.
Celebrating the 2005 10th anniversary win against Brisbane, Terry Baker in the centre of the photograph at the front among the players.
Along the way he worked with and formed a close friendship with Sir Peter Leitch. It was Vodafone Warriors ambassador Sir Peter who said on Twitter today: It's with sadness I say my good mate terry baker passed away he was club man of the year @NZWarriors and a great mate of the @NZWarriors
The announcement was followed by a flood of messages on Twitter from current and former Vodafone Warriors players as well as players from other clubs and various identities. Here are some of the messages posted about Terry (Tez, Tezza) Baker:
Manu Vatuvei: so sad to hear he was an awesome man and will never 4get all da things he has done for da club and myself #RIPSternumBrother
Joe Galuvao: Condolences & prayers to the baker family @NZWarriors #riptez
Nathan Friend: a great man gone to soon butch, he was so kind to all of us. I'm still in disbelief, RIP Tez
Wairangi Koopu: Absolutely guttered to hear a good friend has passed away. Another one of those role models I had growing up.
Russell Packer: wow so sad great man would have given u the shirt of his back really puts everything into perspective rip tez
Lewis Brown: Heart goes out to the baker family and the people of @AirNZParking! RIP terry thank you for all the help you gave me! #legend
Pita Godinet: What the???? I can't believe it??. Still in Disbelief! Gone to soon.. Just seen you on Friday!!
Scott Styris: gutted to hear the news that Terry Baker, a great League man, has passed away. Saw him 4days ago!@AirNZParking won't be the same! RIP terry
Grant Rovelli: a great bloke and a massive help to all of us such a giving person Rip tezz
Doug Golightly: Terry was a quality bloke. ALWAYS treated us well & looked after us brilliantly at@AirNZParking. Very sad. Great respect.
Henry Perenara: Saddened to hear the passing of Terry Baker. One of the nicest people I have ever met. Condolences to the Baker family. #RIP
James Maloney: terribly sad news, one of the nicest blokes I've come across. Prayers and thoughts with his family
Mike King: Tautoko that Butch. Condolences and prays go out to the whanau. RIP Terry Baker
Tony Martin: So sad to hear about the passing of Terry Baker. A champion man and a great friend. Thanks for the memories Tez. RIP. @NZWarriors#legend
Todd Byrne: So sad to hear. A great bloke, Tez will be long remembered, condolences to the Baker & @NZWarriors families
Bronson Harrison: That's terrible news, give my condolences plz butch #sadloss
He had a long association with the club in his administration role and was twice named Vodafone Warriors Clubman of the Year (2001 and 2005).
It was confirmed late on Monday that Bakers funeral will be held in the Club Lounge in the East Stand at Mount Smart Stadium at 11.00am on Thursday.
Throughout his time with Vodafone Warriors, Baker provided an integral link between the club and Air New Zealand. After finishing in the position at the end of the 2007 NRL season, his association was maintained by providing services through his Air New Zealand Parking enterprise.
Baker was much more than a volunteer official and later a business associate of the Vodafone Warriors. For many players past and present as well as staff he was a valued friend, particularly for numerous Australian players who signed with the Vodafone Warriors. Baker selflessly helped them to settle into their new home base in Auckland, making it his business to ensure they were comfortable in their new surroundings.
In his time with the Vodafone Warriors, Baker experienced the club reaching the NRL finals for the first time in 2001 as well as making the grand final in 2002 and the play-offs again in 2003 and 2007.
Terry Baker in front with the Vodafone Warriors after the club's historic first victory over Brisbane in 2001.
Celebrating the 2005 10th anniversary win against Brisbane, Terry Baker in the centre of the photograph at the front among the players.
Along the way he worked with and formed a close friendship with Sir Peter Leitch. It was Vodafone Warriors ambassador Sir Peter who said on Twitter today: It's with sadness I say my good mate terry baker passed away he was club man of the year @NZWarriors and a great mate of the @NZWarriors
The announcement was followed by a flood of messages on Twitter from current and former Vodafone Warriors players as well as players from other clubs and various identities. Here are some of the messages posted about Terry (Tez, Tezza) Baker:
Manu Vatuvei: so sad to hear he was an awesome man and will never 4get all da things he has done for da club and myself #RIPSternumBrother
Joe Galuvao: Condolences & prayers to the baker family @NZWarriors #riptez
Nathan Friend: a great man gone to soon butch, he was so kind to all of us. I'm still in disbelief, RIP Tez
Wairangi Koopu: Absolutely guttered to hear a good friend has passed away. Another one of those role models I had growing up.
Russell Packer: wow so sad great man would have given u the shirt of his back really puts everything into perspective rip tez
Lewis Brown: Heart goes out to the baker family and the people of @AirNZParking! RIP terry thank you for all the help you gave me! #legend
Pita Godinet: What the???? I can't believe it??. Still in Disbelief! Gone to soon.. Just seen you on Friday!!
Scott Styris: gutted to hear the news that Terry Baker, a great League man, has passed away. Saw him 4days ago!@AirNZParking won't be the same! RIP terry
Grant Rovelli: a great bloke and a massive help to all of us such a giving person Rip tezz
Doug Golightly: Terry was a quality bloke. ALWAYS treated us well & looked after us brilliantly at@AirNZParking. Very sad. Great respect.
Henry Perenara: Saddened to hear the passing of Terry Baker. One of the nicest people I have ever met. Condolences to the Baker family. #RIP
James Maloney: terribly sad news, one of the nicest blokes I've come across. Prayers and thoughts with his family
Mike King: Tautoko that Butch. Condolences and prays go out to the whanau. RIP Terry Baker
Tony Martin: So sad to hear about the passing of Terry Baker. A champion man and a great friend. Thanks for the memories Tez. RIP. @NZWarriors#legend
Todd Byrne: So sad to hear. A great bloke, Tez will be long remembered, condolences to the Baker & @NZWarriors families
Bronson Harrison: That's terrible news, give my condolences plz butch #sadloss
